A dog walker and their pet were plucked to safety from a Blackpool beach just minutes before they faced being cut off by an incoming tide. Blackpool RNLI volunteers were alerted by HM Coastguard at around 9.56am on Saturday (September 12) following reports that a person and their dog had become stranded at South Shore as the tide rapidly rose.
Blackpool Council Beach Patrol was simultaneously dispatched to respond to the incident. As RNLI volunteers were preparing to launch their lifeboat, Beach Patrol officers already at the scene managed to carry out the rescue.
Rescue details
The person and their dog were guided safely to nearby steps, with the lifeboat crew standing down after receiving confirmation both were out of danger, reports Lancs Live.
Emergency services descended on the popular beach.
RNLI statement
Blackpool RNLI stated the incident underlined the importance of collaboration between its volunteers, Blackpool Council Beach Patrol and Coastguard response teams.
In a post on Facebook, the RNLI said: "This clearly demonstrates the team work that goes into keeping Blackpool Safe, and the great resource that is the Council Beach Patrol, along with our Coastguard response teams.
"The collective objective of Saving Lives at Sea is something we are proud of.
"As yesterday, when seconds count, if you see anything of concern on the beach or at sea, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Be aware of the tide and the fact that very quickly, the sea can cut off sandbanks from the shore."
Safety advice
The RNLI has called on coastal visitors to familiarise themselves with tide times, cautioning that sandbanks can rapidly become isolated from the shore as the tide comes in.
